Critically examine how the British companies gradually asserted monopoly rights in India.
Ans. After establishing political power in Bengal and Carnatic by the middle of the 18 th century, the East India Company began to assert ns monopoly right to trade. British cotton industries were notdeveloped, but the Indian fine textiles were in great demand in Europe.
So, the East India Company was keen on expanding textile exports from India. The company developed a system of management andcontrol that would eliminate competition, control costs and ensure regular supplies of cottoh and silk goods.
They appointed paid gomasthas to supervise
weavers, collect supplies and examine the quality of cloth.